AOP Conference Review by Ian Lister

Are we really another year older? Hopefully healthier and wiser, because this month saw another AOP! After months of anticipation and planning it had finally arrived. Anyone who is still under the illusion we just turn up as a Principal Sponsor and let the magic happen is more than happy to sit with me through endless hours of planning meetings and visits back and forth to our stand suppliers to get the image just right. This year was my first as National Sales Manager for BeneCare along with Pat Radcliffe, our clinical specialist, and although between us we are veterans of this event, it was very important for us to mark this development in the life cycle of BeneCare Medical with an exceptional offering!

Over the past months we have been developing a number of key initiatives which as the title suggests are ‘built around you’. Firstly our Budget Management Service; this is a totally new concept which helps you to manage your budget more efficiently and more importantly doesn’t comprise on the quality you quite rightly demand. Working alongside you we believe we can save you money and give you the products and service you deserve. Secondly training is critical in your personal development and that of the Plaster Room and sadly this is the first thing that goes when companies look to cut overheads. Not with BeneCare, as we are committed to your development and now with our ‘Built Around You’ training scheme up and running, Pat Radcliffe will be in touch with all of you via your account manager to discuss your individual needs and develop a training package that allows for continuous education not just a quick demo.

At BeneCare, and in particular at the AOP Conference, we take your education very importantly and thus we were very privileged to have Mr. Robert Morley, Podiatrist & Trainee Podiatric Surgeon at Buxton, Derbyshire Community Health Services giving a lecture on Foot and Ankle Injuries (Lateral Ligament Complex). This was followed by a practical demonstration from Pat. The overall aim of the session was to understand the complexity of ankle injuries and know the correct application of the Benecast Flex for a Below Knee combi-cast. By the reaction of all the groups, this aim was certainly achieved.

As fellow professionals I believe our Company, Products, stand and indeed anyone who represents BeneCare should portray a professional image. In my first year here at this great company, we saw a very exacting stand that delivered the message that our company are here to work alongside you as Healthcare Professionals, just like yourself. Our dress code should reflect our manor and demeanour the same as your uniform does. Hopefully you felt this was achieved.

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” is a proverb. It means that without time off from work, a person becomes both bored and boring. Well we all certainly had a great time on both the Friday and Saturday night, dancing away to the sounds of the Funtime Frankies and those amazing singing waiters. I look forward to sharing a Mug of Coffee with you with your personalized souvenir mug, courtesy of BeneCare Medical, next time I am in your plaster room. Don’t forget to go on Facebook and share pictures of your Mug in Use and remember to “like us” before 1st July for a chance to win £50 Spa Vouchers.

One final thought, and that is without any of you all this would be impossible. So we at BeneCare thank you all, especially the AOP and the Committee and all its members. We always remember you have a choice and we thank you for choosing BeneCare.